Visiting Speakers

Visiting Speakers in the Arts Program

The Visiting Speakers in the Arts Program offers extensive exposure of leading practitioners in the creative field to our students and community at large. Established in 1976, this longstanding program focuses attention on a broad range of contemporary artistic practices and issues. With several high-profile visitors every week through the fall and spring semesters of each academic year, students have a unique learning experience that illuminates local, national, and international achievement. In 1996, a secondary program was initiated that focuses specifically on architecture and design.

The Art Department works collaboratively with other units on campus, as well as various cultural institutions across Lethbridge and beyond to bring visiting speakers who are in various stages of their professional careers to present and interact with students on campus.

The program of presentations has expanded significantly over the years and showcases a diverse spectrum of lectures. Students and community members gain exposure to a wide range of speakers through two particular speaker series offered by the Department of Art: the Art Now series and the Architecture & Design Now series. These are tied to courses in our curriculum, and are also open to the public as free lectures.

Art Now Series

Art Now is an innovative core course in the Department of Art, required for both Art Studio and Art History/Museum Studies majors. The series introduces students and interested public to contemporary artists, curators, art historians, critics, and writers, from across Canada and beyond, addressing a broad array of artistic practices and issues in contemporary art.

Not on campus to catch a lecture? Bring your lunch and enjoy the livestream at Casa!

Architecture & Design Now Series

Architecture & Design Now introduces students and interested public to contemporary architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, planning, and various design disciplines, including product design, furniture, interiors, fashion, graphic and digital design, and craft. Presentations in the series have addressed a variety of issues relating to the contemporary built environment, and design on every scale.

Studio Visits

As students pursue creative goals in art and visual culture, the Department of Art offers opportunities to interact with internationally active artists and scholars in a supportive environment through individual studio visits, breakout sessions, and group meetings. Sign up sheets for individual studio visits are posted on the wall outside W813, just prior to the visiting artist's arrival.